Sunday, August 24, 2008
This is a colored pencil/mixed media collage (on decorative paper) 8 x 8" inspired by the tender points charts that fibromyalgia patients so often see (with a few "personal" pain spots added in). The figure in the middle represents the other aspects of the disease: the fogginess, the dizzy spells, the uncertainty of living with the other syndromes like irritable bowel and circulation issues. It was a therapeutic exercise for me to create this, especially adding the decorative elements, in hope of bringing lightness to something that weighs people down. I also have done a quilt block based on a similar image.
Andy-
I really like your work. I'd like to come up with an inspired piece of art hat describd my illness like you have done so well at. I'm not sure how to get started, You know, what to ask myself.
Patricia
Thank you for your compliment. It's nice to hear that someone else ejoys looking at what I've put together for the fun of it. After being a professional designer for so many years, after I stopped doing that, I also stopped doing any kind of art for fun. In many ways, this site is getting me back into it--for myself.
Just start with anything--some words, maybe some collage elements, or some stuff you have around the house that talks about you in some way. I like a book/website called "six word memoirs" as a starter. You can illustrate from there in any medium. Also, you don't have to make art to be "meaningful" to your pain condition. Just make art.
I started with the anatomical charts in the doctor's office--I look at them enough. You could also start with writing a short description of a specific aspect of what you're dealing with, and find a way to illustrate it, either literally or abstractly. Could be expressing mood with colors or shapes. Could be contrasting how you used to feel with what you're feeling now. Don't be afraid to use humor. I found a photo of the Lone Ranger's horse, trigger, and intend to do something about "trigger points" and muscles.
Don't wait for an inspiring moment or a grand plan. Just play with it. Only you have to see it, and making art is therapeutic in its own right.
Have fun
Andy
Andy thank you so much. Your message was exactly what I needed. After I wrote the initial message, I wasn't sure I'd been clear. But from your answer, you are very much in tune with my question. Interesting, I'd asked this question- how to get started- what to ask yourself to inspire yourself.... once to a psychologist, and she was very vague.
I agree art is therapeutic in of itself. you might have noticed I painted my puppy Pixie recently. This was my first painting. Yesterday I posted it to the site here. Part of me wants to directly confront the syndrome that put me in the place I'm at right now. I'd like to do this with art which is what it seems you are working on yourself.
I'm glad you are finding connections by using art as a vehicle to process your situation. Did you say you are battling fibromyalgia? anyway, thanks again for the suggestions. I value your input.
Patricia